A few recent accomplishments

So I've been in Michigan for over a month now. Here are some things I've accomplished:

Run a half marathon,
climb a rock wall,
and jump off a ginormous swing. All without injuring myself--and this was just last weekend.

Obtain the best part time job! (Babysitting for 2 boys, 9 and 6).
Take a few trips back to Ohio.
Begun planning for a mission trip over Christmas break.
Lots of homework--and with consistently good grades!
Joined inter-mural Volleyball and Basketball.
And been recruited to run a 10K for the field day competition against the other campus.
Acquired some new friends/room-mates who make life much more interesting!
Attended a Baptist Church here a couple times and really enjoyed it. I've also been able to visit my church in Ohio a few weekends which always makes me incredibly happy! :)

I'm enjoying all that I've been learning. It makes me wonder how different my time at college would've been had I had the opportunity to learn what I'm learning now along with all the different worldviews that were presented to me. It makes me even more thankful for the friends and mentors I met through Campus Crusade for Christ at LCCC and Cleveland State that helped me grow more in my faith while there. I'm confident that what I'm learning now will revolutionize my Bible Study habits, worldview...not to mention my LIFE!

Well, tomorrow's Friday and we have a fun weekend planned. Taking three of my roomates back to Ohio for some good country fall fun! :)

To the ends of the earth

I realize this may be repeat information for many of you who read your emails, but if you don't or if you don't receive them, here's some basic info for the mission trip over Christmas break:

The plan is tentatively to go from December 20-30 (But I need you to let me know if you can't do those dates. The only feedback I've gotten is that those dates work well). It looks like this will be the cheapest time to go, and date-wise it would include that week between Christmas and New Years for all the folks that get time off for that...), plus this will be a Christmas to remember! ;)
We will be delivering Samaritan's Purse shoe boxes in some very rural communities. Doctor Jorge has been traveling to these communities for years, we've gone with him twice and he asked if I would bring a team this year also. This really won't be the end of life as you know it, but I would be lying to tell you that it will be easy. It's pretty rugged, you'll most likely go a few days without showering, eat some strange things, and spend a lot of time in the car. On the bright side, though: the scenery is amazing, the kids are always glad to have company (and presents--which they rarely receive), and God will stretch you in so many ways if you let Him. Here's a link to a video from the last trip like this that we took

The cost will be around $2200, depending on how soon we can get tickets. (If anyone has experience with a good travel agent, feel free to pass along that info). This should include airfare, food, and lodging.
I need to know within the next TWO WEEKS (By September 15) if you are planning on going. We can't get visas until we have plane tickets, and if we wait to long the prices will go way up. So pray about it, find your passports, and start spreading the word (feel free to invite a friend...or two!) and raising support (if you need to go that route).
Let me know if you have more questions. I have plenty of pictures, stories and fun facts if you want to know more. ;) As you pray about if God would have you participate I highly encourage you to read "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns, or "Radical" by David Platt. Both very good reads on God's heart for the world and the role we get to play in sharing with others.
Que Dios les guarde!
Kristen

P.s. We are also looking for lots of donations of hygiene items, money and school supplies, so if you can't go, but would like to contribute in this way, that would be greatly appreciated!